Adventures

Empty nester shakes her narrow-minded view

My empty nester’s narrow-minded perspective of being stuck in the house by Ol’ Man Winter’s hold on the weather this week had to be adjusted!

I know it’s only temporary, though.

The sun may be shining, but the wind is still cold.  So, I’ll change my mind again, and again, and again.  Just like the seasons, it’s okay to change things up.

Winter snow in Wisconsin
We’ve had our share of heavy snows this winter.

Spring always comes.

Early spring in Wisconsin
Snow melts
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Rain pours down and flowers appear
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Grass turns green

Summer warms our days and nights.

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Rain continues to help flowers grow and prepares fields for the planting of crops
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Adventures outside happen
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Rogue flowers embraced
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Sunrises captured
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Brave bugs noticed
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Tiny details admired

Summer lingers long enough to prepare us for fall to appear.

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Crops planted sprout
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Crops grow
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Summer heat helps crops mature
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Harvests happen
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Creatures crawl around the ground, dodging fallen leaves
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Pampas grass matures
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Ants build houses for dog’s noses to explore
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Dewdrops climb to greet the morning light

Trees change as a reminder to pay attention to what’s ahead

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Bright colors appear
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Hard frosts bite
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Leaves fall

And Ol’ Man Winter is back at it again.

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From the first snow
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To the heavy snows in between

I’m thankful for life in Wisconsin.  The changing seasons remind me not to be so narrow-minded in my view of our empty nest.

Post Inspiration – Linda G. Hill’sOne-Liner Wednesday and Lens-Artists #84 – Amy gave us the prompt of Narrow.

PS – Happy Wednesday!  What do you do to help yourself get out of narrow-mindedness?  

41 thoughts on “Empty nester shakes her narrow-minded view

  1. Shelley, I love the “tiny details” and “sunrise captured” photos. They are stunning! Thanks for the smile this morning. With all of the snow outside, it’s great to be reminded that spring is around the corner and summer will be here in a few months. Something always to look forward to and rejoice in.

    1. Mary, thank you for the feedback! With the recent snow you got on your side of the state, I’m glad I could share a few reminders of what we can look forward to after March! Your post describing your weekend with a buddy reminds me it’s those moments that count, too! Something to look forward to and enjoy even in the cold of winter!! Cheers to you!

      1. You’re welcome, Shelley. We’re supposed to have a nice (warmer) weekend, so perhaps we can both dream of an early spring and being able to stand outside without a heavy coat and boots.

    1. Yes, the dreaded grey/browns of late winter/early spring is not fun to look at. You’re welcome, glad you liked the reminders of what’s to come! Your post about your project of weeding out photos sounds like a good thing to do while we wait for the arrival of spring.

  2. Oh it’s never good to be narrow-minded. I’m glad you’ve had this epiphany. Your photo remind me, too, that warmer days are a’coming soon.

    1. Thank you, Alice, I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. I do love the different seasons. If I could change anything, I’d wish for a shorter winter 😉

  3. What different views you have outside your window as the seasons change. My view is pretty much the same year round… a good thing since I don’t like cold, but it would be nice to change it up now and then. I’d especially love to enjoy the colors of autumn.

    1. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Janis. I don’t know how you do it with a view that is much the same throughout the year. I guess my 55 years of living in the four seasons has made me used to them? I don’t care for the cold either, I could see myself loving living in warmer climate. I do adore fall too – the colors this past year were very vibrant.

    1. Thank you, Laura – I appreciate your feedback. I also enjoyed the quote you shared on your post. Very thought-provoking!

  4. It is amazing to watch the same vista and see the changes from season to season – in the depths of Winter I often wonder if we will ever see flowers and leaves again as the snow piles up and winds blow so strong. You’ve captured everything we see in the course of a year. I did that once with the fork in the road at Council Point Park – a shot for all seasons, but going to do a more-current version for 2020.

    1. I agree with you Linda! I needed a reminder that the white scene will eventually change.
      I bet your updated version of the fork in the road for 2020 will turn out great! You could probably do a changing season post about how squirrels look throughout the year too. Parker loves to pose for you all year long!

      1. Yes, we need a reality check sometimes and I know there will be scorching humid days in Summer that I will wish it was a little cooler – remind me not to whine please. I’m hoping the fork in the road comes out well – I’ve taken two shots in Winter (yet not massive snows) and one in very late Fall. I did a collage the last time. Yes, that’s a great idea – skinny to chubby from Fall to Winter and then a big reversal once Spring arrives. They don’t look like the same squirrels! 🙂

  5. Wonderful Shelley 🙂 I have shivered and sweated through your post. So many images that could be used in Sunshine’s Macro Monday

    1. Thank you, Brian! So nice to hear from you, your encouragement is heart-warming! What’s the link to Sunshine’s Macro Monday? I’m 2-3 days late, as per usual for me! LOL!

  6. A fun approach Shelley, and a creative response to the challenge. I remember the days of snow and ice only too well and appreciate your ability to look at the bright side of what’s to come. Not so easy after a long winter! Loved your close ups especially

    1. Thank you, Tina. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos and the reminder of winter that you don’t miss so much! 😉 I enjoyed your take on the prompt too! Way to take on the extra challenge of sorting through old photos. That would take me on a wild trip for sure and I don’t know how I’d climb my way out of the hole. I’d look like the bear clubs hanging on the tree that you captured!!! 😉

  7. Hi S – fav photo is the tiny details admired!
    And…
    The backyard fence with snow – I am
    Familiar with your yard and feels
    Comfy coming back here to check in!

    We have not had enough snow this year but we have a few inches possible arriving tomorrow – fingers crossed 😉
    ❄️❄️❄️

    1. Hi Yvette! Thank you – aw, I’m touched you remembered my back yard and that you stopped by to say hi!
      The warm weather this weekend is taking care of some of the snow. As it melts away this week I’ll be heading around the blogosphere to check in with you too!

      1. Well
        Take your time and see you when you make your rounds!
        We had some
        Snow this last week but barely lasted a day!
        And now sunshine ☀️ to brighten this Sunday –
        Wishing you a nice rest of yours

  8. Hi Shelly, Wisconsin winters look like Utah winters. Brrr. But weirdly enough I love snow so have ended up in a good place. I think it’s fun to see the white stuff pile up outside and be able to stay home from work when there’s a blizzard. I won’t say I don’t enjoy the summer sun, but am perfectly happy until it gets here. In the mean time – is that a she shed I see in your back yard? If so, I’m so jealous..

    1. Hi Geanie! I work from home, so the weather rarely keeps me from work. 😉
      The shed in the back yard is our Tea House – my husband designed it and built it and yes, it’s mostly my spot. We spend a lot of time in it in the summer months. It’s not heated or insulated or air conditioned, so it is definitely a fair weather place. But we do love it. I have a table and chairs in there, and a sofa for napping on. It’s a fun little getaway spot.

        1. Yes, we both work from home. After 7 years, we’ve finally got our groove. Yes, Mr. is very handy and he’s quite the chef too. I’m spoiled rotten! 🙂

  9. Shelley, you always post great pics, but I think you’ve outdone yourself with this post. Breathtaking! It’s been a long time since I fell into the trap of narrow-mindedness, largely owing to the demands of my job and parenthood. I’m exposed to so many different sets of daily challenges that I have to stay open-minded & creative.

    We’ve had a frustratingly mild winter down here in Tennessee this year. I wish you could’ve exported about half your snow our way!

    1. Hi Denny!! Thank you, your words of encouragement are so appreciated.
      I bet in your line of work you have to be willing to keep your eyes open. Parenting will do that too you too ;-). Especially with teens!!
      Sorry your winter wasn’t as fun – I hope your spring is nice and pleasant!
      Thanks for stopping by – you must’ve read my mind, I was thinking about you this week! Take care! I’ll be by your blog this week to see what you’re up to!!

  10. Honestly I miss having true defined seasons like this. I grew up in New Hampshire, and now living in Southern California makes it hard to keep track of how much of the year has gone by, time-wise. I was so used to plotting out goals, celebrations, etc. by weather that it has taken me a while to come around to this always sunny and 70 lifestyle! Can’t complain too much… but it is different.

    http://www.areweadultsyet.com

    1. I can imagine it would be hard to get used to. When it’s cold it’s easy to force myself to work on inside projects. When it’s really cold – I do wonder what the people who live in your state are doing. Probably outside having fun! Thanks for stopping by to share your thoughts – it’s always fun to hear from you!

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